Latest news with #MohammedShiaAlSudani
Iraqi News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
PM Sudani announces strategic desalination projects to tackle Basra's severe water crisis
Basra ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani traveled to Basra on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) to address the province's severe water scarcity crisis, announcing a new multi-pronged strategy aimed at providing a 'radical solution' to an issue that has plagued the southern region for years. However, these new government promises are being met with cautious hope from a population weary of past unfulfilled pledges. Following a high-level meeting in Basra with relevant ministers and the governors of Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar, the Prime Minister laid out a comprehensive plan to confront what he acknowledged is a recurring crisis fueled by climate change and reduced flows from upstream countries. The centerpiece of the new strategy is a large-scale seawater desalination project. PM Al-Sudani confirmed he has authorized the Governor of Basra to sign the contract with the implementing company, which he stated is already on-site and has begun preliminary work. This will be supported by several smaller desalination projects in various administrative units to cover the governorate's drinking water needs. On the diplomatic front, the Prime Minister highlighted recent successes with 'neighboring Turkey,' stating that Ankara has agreed to increase water releases into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, a move hoped to provide significant relief. Internally, the government is taking a harder line on illegal water usage. Al-Sudani pointed to the 'very large number' of unauthorized fish farms as a major factor in the crisis and confirmed that a campaign to remove these and other illegal encroachments on rivers is underway, with legal action to be taken against violators. A high-level technical support team has also been formed to oversee all related projects and has been granted financial allocations to ensure their completion. Despite the comprehensive nature of the new plan, it is being met with public skepticism rooted in a long history of similar promises from previous governments. Social media users have reportedly circulated a seven-year-old video of the current Basra governor making similar pledges to solve the water issue. The crucial question for the citizens of Basra is whether this time will be different. While PM Sudani's direct intervention and detailed strategy offer a new sense of urgency and hope, the success of the plan will be measured not just in cubic meters of water, but in its ability to restore public trust and bring a final, sustainable end to their long-standing suffering.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems
Iraq's Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate a series of drone attacks targeting military radar systems at two separate bases, officials said. The strikes hit a radar installation at the Taji military camp, north of Baghdad, and another at the Imam Ali airbase in the southern province of Dhi Qar. A third suspected drone attack reportedly struck a base near Baghdad International Airport, also housing radar systems, according to local media reports. The incidents came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, though it remained unclear whether the attacks were connected to the development. Sudani said on Tuesday his government would not tolerate any act – internal or external – that threatens national security, vowing a firm and decisive response. 'We will not show leniency toward any aggression that harms the security of Iraq,' Sudani said during a cabinet meeting, according to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA). 'Our response will be resolute and strong,' added Sudani. He confirmed that Iraqi military bases were targeted in what he described as a 'cowardly and treacherous' attack using explosive-laden suicide drones. 'Our armed forces and air defenses responded swiftly to other attempted attacks on different bases, successfully intercepting and downing the drones,' Sudani said, without elaborating on the origin of the attacks. The prime minister also welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a 'positive step,' and expressed hope that the truce would be 'solid and lasting, not fragile.' Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, also described the drone strikes as 'cowardly and treacherous,' saying the attacks caused significant damage to radar infrastructure. In a statement, al-Numan said a swarm of small, explosive-laden drones had struck the military installations in Taji and Dhi Qar. He confirmed there were no casualties. Images circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the radar station at the Taji base. 'Our forces were able to thwart additional drone attacks targeting four other locations,' al-Numan added, noting that air defenses successfully downed the incoming UAVs before they reached their targets. All of the sites targeted in the recent drone attacks were fully operated by Iraqi security forces, dismissing speculation of foreign involvement. 'All targeted locations are exclusively Iraqi military sites, overseen and operated by officers and personnel from our heroic security forces,' said al-Numan. Following the coordinated attacks, Sudani ordered the creation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the incidents, identify those responsible, and fully track the findings of the probe. 'These cowardly criminal acts will not go unpunished,' al-Numan said. 'Our armed forces remain the unshakable shield of Iraq, defending its people, land, and sovereignty.' Military sources revealed that the first drone strike destroyed a TPS-77 radar system at the Taji military base. A second attack targeted an AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar at the Imam Ali base. Local media also reported, citing unverified sources, that a third drone targeted a US-made radar system at Victoria Base near Baghdad International Airport, which has previously hosted US troops. Authorities have yet to confirm this claim. The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions following a US-brokered ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the nature and precision of the strikes have raised concerns about a potential escalation.
Qatar Tribune
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Amir receives phone call from prime minister of Iraq
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a phone call from Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Iraq HE Mohammed Shia Al Sudani. During the call, the Prime Minister affirmed his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar and its strong condemnation of the Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base, which constitutes a flagrant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Iraqi Prime Minister also stressed his country's categorical rejection of any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar and undermines the security and stability of the region, calling on His Highness the Amir to exercise restraint and resort to diplomatic solutions. For his part, His Highness the Amir expressed his thanks to the Prime Minister for his sincere fraternal feelings and appreciated solidarity with the State of Qatar and its people.
Iraqi News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraqi leadership holds emergency meeting after US strikes on Iran to form unified stance
Baghdad ( – Iraq's top leadership convened for an expanded emergency meeting in Baghdad on Sunday evening (June 22, 2025) to formulate a unified national position following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The high-level meeting brought together President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, and Head of the Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan. According to an informed source, leaders of the ruling political coalitions, the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition, also attended. Discussions reportedly focused on the dangerous regional escalation and measures to protect Iraq and its people from the fallout. An informed source told news agencies the key objectives were to develop a diplomatic mechanism to 'defuse the crisis' and reach a unified Iraqi decision to 'stop this war.' The source added that Iraq seeks to align its official position with other regional countries to pressure the United States and the UN Security Council to take necessary action. While photos confirmed the leadership meeting took place, an official statement detailing its outcomes had not yet been released. The emergency session highlights the gravity with which Baghdad views the escalating conflict.
Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Amir, Iraqi PM stress importance of de-escalation, resolving disputes through diplomatic means
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has reviewed with Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Iraq HE Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the bilateral relations between the two countries. This came during a phone call His Highness the Amir received from the Iraqi Prime Minister. During the call, a number of developments of common interest, both regionally and internationally, were discussed, particularly those related to the Israeli attack on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this regard, His Highness the Amir and the Iraqi Prime Minister stressed the importance of de-escalation and resolving disputes through diplomatic means.
